When parents talk to and affirm the value of their children, young people are more likely to develop positive, healthy attitudes about themselves. This is also true when the subject is sex. Research shows that positive communication between parents and their children can help young people establish individual values and make healthy decisions.

According to Barbara Huberman, RN, MEd, Director of Education and Outreach for Advocates for Youth, parents who act on the belief that young people have the right to accurate sexuality information are parents whose teens will delay the initiation of intimacy and use contraceptives when they choose to become sexually active.

Initiating conversations about the facts of life may be difficult for some parents because they did not grow up in an environment where the subject was discussed. Some parents may be afraid they do not know the right answers or feel confused about the proper amount of information to offer. To help, this section of Advocates for Youth's Web site—Parents' Sex Ed Center—contains all of the information and resources you need to begin talking with your children about sex. Check out the articles below on the importance of parents as sex educators, or visit the sections on Growth and Development, Getting Started: Helping Parents and Children Talk, Other Important Topics in Sex Education and Advice from Parenting Experts.